Day: May 22, 2018

Mirfield Miniatures is a new wargaming collector’s centre based at the Creative Arts Hub art gallery – in the former Vale Cinema building in central Mirfield. Consisting of several display cabinets and an assembly/painting studio, Mirfield Miniatures specialises in fantasy and science fiction miniatures as well as historical gaming figures. Other basic modelling supplies such as glues, modelling putty and scenery basics are also available.

The modelling shop has developed as an extension of the many creative activities and workshops which the Hub delivers. “We’ve simply found that our audience, the children who have been attending our weekly workshops, have grown up with us and are ready for this”, says Hub director Mark Milnes. “I used to paint these figures nearly three decades ago, and made regular cash by painting armies for other people. It’s been a long time, and I’d forgotten what an absorbing and relaxing activity it is to paint one of these miniatures.” The figures are only an inch or so high, and are used in popular battle games such as Warhammer.

“The miniatures that we sell are largely pre-owned figures, and are either entirely unpainted or have been stripped ready for painting. We offer them at pocket-money prices, affordable to give the opportunity for young collectors to build a range of miniatures without breaking the bank. All of this fits nicely with our recycle and re-use ethic, and with our mission to support creative learning – and of course supports all of the community activity that we run here.” The Hub has also started to periodically run workshops and courses to teach the art of miniature painting and scenery building, and is just coming to the end of its first six week run. “We’re very interested to hear from any young artists who might want to have a go at this highly detailed, skillful form of painting. We’d also be keen to run a gaming club, so if anyone out there would like to take part we’d love for them to get in touch.”

The Hub is open from 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday. Mark is happy to open the miniatures store out-of -hours and prospective visitors should contact him at mark@creativeartshub.org.uk or on 01924 492775.

It’s a great weekend to join us at the Hub!

Why not drop in and see us? We’ve the launch of a new exhibition – ‘NO IDEA’ by Jose Manuel Gonzalez Iglesias, along with an open weekend packed with free arts activities for the kids. There’ll be plenty to see, with open studios and the new exhibition on show, plus work from Birstall woodturners and a host of handmade gifts available to purchase for Christmas! We look forward to seeing you over the weekend.

This new exhibition will bring a riot of pattern and colour to the winter months! Venezuela-born José Manuel Gonzalez Iglesias, now based in Barnsley, creates lively, colourful work with the power to brighten any room. His work can be seen over the next six weeks at the Hub gallery on Huddersfield Road, Mirfield – it’s first showing in the Kirklees area.

Imaginary Composition (1)

Imaginary Composition (2)

OPEN WEEKEND – Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th November 11am to 4pm

As well as experiencing José’s artwork, visitors to the Hub this weekend (26th/27th November) can try their hand at a variety of free arts and crafts and will be able to buy artwork by the Birstall woodturners and many more, ahead of the festive rush. Handmade pieces for sale over the course of the weekend will include ceramics, paintings, collage artworks and weaving kits; visitors can have a look around the studios and perhaps even commission a bespoke piece of work from one of the resident artists. A perfect opportunity to find that one-off, unique Christmas gift, and to keep the kids entertained.

The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday. Entry to the gallery is free. For further details contact mark@creativeartshub.org.uk, or ring 01924 492775. We regret that there is no disabled access to Creative Arts Hub.